If any action is taken against the Islamic Republic, Iran’s response will be harsh and extremely powerful, Abbas Araghchi, Iran’s Foreign Minister, has warned.

Araghchi said Iran has the full capacity to defend itself and does not need assistance from any external actor, The Caspian Post reports, Iran International.

Araghchi added that the United States is attempting to establish contact through third countries, but stressed that negotiations cannot be imposed.

Without mutual respect and equal conditions, he said, a fair and sustainable agreement would not be possible.